ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers have won seven games in a row, but for once the offense isn't leading the way.
The Rangers are hitting .280 as a team with 40 runs scored during the winning streak, but they are hitting just .258 over their last 15 games.
If you're looking for manager Ron Washington to juggle the lineup, keep looking.
"No doubt about it," Washington said. "That's why we've been able to maintain, because we're consistent in the way we do things. When you start trying to make changes, that sends panic. We don't panic."
Several hitters are struggling. Michael Young, who usually bats fifth and sometimes higher, went 0-for-3 Friday night to drop to .129 (4-for-31) in his last nine games. Although Young is hitting .268 overall, he's hitting just .229 in his last 54 games.
Nelson Cruz, the usual No. 6 hitter, is batting .206 (14-for-68) over his last 21 games, although he's had multiple hits in two of the last three games to raise his average to .258.
"We know what they're capable of doing and we're going to play it out," Washington said. "And usually it works for us."Mike Napoli usually bats toward the bottom of the lineup but has been in a season-long struggle and is hitting .236 despite homering Friday.
Even Josh Hamilton, the No. 3 hitter with a robust .327 average, is hitting .229 over his last 29 games.
"I was a player. I know when I struggled I was hoping that every day I showed that the manager would continue to believe in me," Washington said. "Well I believe in them. That's why nothing has changed."
Rolled ankle won't slow Gentry
Craig Gentry walked into the Rangers' clubhouse around noon Saturday, with "walk" being the key word.
Gentry rolled his right ankle running out a bunt in the fifth inning Friday night. He was able to finish the game, but ankle injuries can swell overnight.
Manager Ron Washington put Gentry in the lineup for Saturday afternoon's game before Gentry came to the park, but was ready to make a change in center field if Gentry couldn't go.
"It's nothing I can't handle," Gentry said. "I woke up this morning and it was pretty stiff, but it will loosen up. It will be all right."
Gentry appeared to be in severe pain in the dugout immediately after the injury. It looked questionable that he would be able to take his position in the top of the sixth. He was one of the last players out of the dugout, but eventually jogged, gingerly, back to center field.
Playing on a team with the best record in baseball (44-27) and with recent call-up Leonys Martin on the bench, Gentry isn't about to pass up any opportunity to play.
"I don't like to come out of games," Gentry. "I want to be in there. Unless it's excruciating and I can't take it, then I definitely want to play."
The Rangers also can play Josh Hamilton in center field if Gentry can't go, but for now that doesn't appear necessary.
"A little bit of Alleve and we'll see how it goes," Gentry said.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
